Widening the Frame: Exploring the Belogradchik Rocks - Part II - Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Welcome to Part II of my series exploring Belogradchik. Last fall, @brentssanders and I traveled the western half of Bulgaria on and off for two months and this was our very first stop. While Belogradchik is quite the tourist destination, because we were there in September, we only had to share it with 6 or 7 other people...an introvert's dream come true! 😊
Today, I am widening the camera frame so you can get the big picture. My recent posts on this place (you can find the links below) have not exposed you to the full grandeur of this place. So, without further ado, let's check out the sights!
Behold the glory that is the Belogradchik Rocks...well, this section of them, anyway. There are five groups of formations stretching across the western half of the Balkan Mountain range. The area has been considered a natural monument since 1949 and in 1987 was entered into the Bulgarian National Register of Natural Landmarks.
Here we are looking down on the town of Belogradchik that has a population right around 5,400 and is a stone's throw, give or take, from the Serbian border. It makes me happy to gaze upon those red rooftops...so Bulgarian.
Every direction offers magnificent vistas! Look at those layers of deliciousness...LOOK AT THEM!!! 😍 The wide array of colors and geographical variety are quite the feast for the eyes.
Here is a closer look at the fantastic sandstone formations...nature's abstract art. The red color comes from a high concentration of iron oxide and hematite that was formed as a result of the hot and dry stretch that took place during the Jurassic period.
This is Brent taking in the energy of this place...feeling the love, so to speak.
If you look closely, you can see the rock face is a conglomeration of smaller rocks glued together with sand and clay. During the Triassic period, this area was covered by a shallow sea. The movement of water deposited layers of sediment that were then shaped over time.
This is an up-close and personal look at that rock face. It is as if there is a birthing process going on here.
Many of the formations have names that are tied to folklore / legends. I didn't have a map with me to help me identify them but, I am going to go out on a limb here and say this one is "The Bear." If anyone knows for sure or otherwise, please let me know in the comments below.
I read two legends about this place, The Madonna and also The Schoolgirl. The basic gist of both stories is there is a beautiful girl who encounters an immense amount of peril for one reason or another. When all hope seems lost, a miracle occurs then all the players are turned to stone. Good times! 😬
This is just a gratuitous panorama for you...I couldn't help myself. While it is no photographic marvel, it does give you another view of this gorgeous valley.
We were able to sneak back up here to catch the sunset and experience the pink glow on the red rocks. The almost full moon made an appearance...a perfect ending to a most wonderful day!
Stay tuned for more from this glorious place. Next stop, Belogradchik Fortress!!!
Check out my previous posts from in and around Belogradchik:
Monochrome Monday - Prelude to a Post or Two or Three or...
Tree Tuesday - The Series Begins
Exploring the Back Roads of Northwestern Bulgaria
!steemitworldmap 43.623153 lat 22.678270 long Belogradchik, Bulgaria d3scr
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belogradchik_Rocks & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belogradchik
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Wow wow wow ... what an amazing looking place. Not what I would expect of Bulgaria. I need to get my butt in gear ... the world is waiting:)
The world is waiting, indeed! There is so much out there ready to dazzle you. This place is not only amazing looking but also feeling...it's hard to describe.
I'm just curious, what would you expect from Bulgaria?
Wine ... lol. And castles.
Wine (and much, much more) is right on! More like monasteries and fortresses...but close. ;)
So I got the most important part ... right:):):) Wine.
With enough wine, the fortresses could totally look like castles. :D
One man's fortress is a lady with Chardonnay's Chateau:):):)
That's almost a haiku! ;)
those are some lovely shots! never been to Bulgaria before but the place looks very peaceful and serene! thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you very much! This place was very peaceful, indeed.
I really did feel that energy there, and you captured it right when you said it's like a birthing process. I mean, just look at it ... LOOK AT IT!!! :D
I felt it too but I don't think I understood it then...you know me, it takes me a while to process. ;)
I can't NOT look at it! 😳
Great article and pictures! It's really nice to stumble upon a blog of someone from the US and to see pictures of my own country and the Belogradchik Rocks, which have been placed on the New 7 Wonders of Nature Reserve List.
Thank you so much! I find it especially gratifying when a Bulgarian comments on these travel posts of mine. :) Your country is so beautiful in so many ways and I have enjoyed exposing my friends to all BG has to offer. Thanks also for that extra little bit of information...these rocks deserve to be on that list!